Ivory Coast international Tiote moves to Newcastle

Subject to a work permit, Newcastle have agreed terms with Dutch side FC Twente for the transfer of midfielder Cheick Tiote.

Subject to a work permit, Newcastle have agreed terms with Dutch side FC Twente for the transfer of midfielder Cheick Tiote.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international, who played in all three of his country's games at the World Cup finals, has passed a medical.

Tiote was part of the FC Twente side which won the Eredivisie under Steve McClaren last season.

Speaking after Newcastle's 6-0 thumping of Aston Villa, Toon boss Chris Hughton said: "He is a defensive midfield player - we feel it's such an important area in this division...Alan Smith is probably our only defensive midfielder in the (current) squad.

"Hopefully there will be one or two more signings before the window closes."